Median Branch Block

Introduction
The facet joints (zygapophysial joints) of the spine serve important structural and functional capacities. It maintains extension and prevent excessive axial rotation of the vertebral column.

Like other joints with aging process it also under goes degenerative changes that defines arthritis of larger joints.

Typically the patient describes gradual onset of dull, achy axial pain that may radiate to surrounding areas.

A medial branch nerve block is a procedure in which an anesthetic is injected near small medial nerves connected to a specific facet joint

Indications
An intra-articular facet joint injection or medial branch block is indicated when it is believed that a patient's pain is being generated by pathology at the facet joint.